6 Powerful Benefits of the Yuzu Super Fruit

by Kathleen EspejoFebruary 28, 2019

You may have heard us rambling on about Yuzu. What is it exactly? Well it’s the next new thing.

The Yuzu superfood citrus originates from Japan, and boasts 3X the vitamin C of normal lemons. Some call it the ugly fruit, because of its unfortunate, slightly lumpy physique. We on the other hand believe that beauty comes from within, appreciating Yuzu for its perfectly tart, tangy and tropical flavour.

Apart from just tasting good, and being a key player in the Applelachia fragrant pallet, Yuzu is renowned for its many super powers. Fun fact: when Yuzu was first introduced into Japanese culture hundreds of years ago, it was traditionally used for its medicinal purposes. Hot baths infused with Yuzu fruit were known to fight off colds, increase circulation and nourish and soothe the skin. They called it a Yuzuyu.

The good news is that Yuzu can be utilised in a number of different ways and the health benefits are definitely worth talking about. So even if you don’t have a bathtub and can’t afford an abundant supply of Yuzu’s for your own Yuzuyu, you can still reap all of the rewards.

Health Benefits of Yuzu

Immunity Booster

Yuzu is packed full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, both of which are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to boosting your immunity. Vitamin C has the ability to reduce the duration and severity of illness, whilst the antioxidants help the neutralise free radicals and fight off unwanted infections.

Glowing healthy skin

Vitamin C not only helps boost our immunity. It plays a vital role in the production of collagen (the main structural protein) in our body. Collagen is responsible for firm, healthy glowing skin and is something we all want a little more of in our lives, right?! Better yet, the Vitamin A in yuzu helps to protect your skin against harmful bacteria that leads to those awfully timed and always unwanted blemishes and breakouts.

Natural mood elevator

Having a shitty day? Don’t worry, we all have them. But next time you’re feeling the aftermath of a relentlessly stressful day, the aroma of yuzu can help! It’s a well known fact that citrus has the ability to enhance mood and reduce stress. Another fun fact for you, in 2017 a study found that the Yuzu scent actually reduced levels of anger and anxiety in premenstrual women. So when in doubt, smell it out, ladies.

Helps reduce inflammation and chronic disease

Studies have shown that chronic inflammation is at the root of almost all disease, including some of the most threatening like cancer, diabetes and coronary heart disease. Remember when we said people be hating on Yuzu’s lumpy skin? Well those rugged edges have a compound called limonene. A study in the Journal of Food Science found the high concentrate of limonene in Yuzu skin reduced inflammation and prevented the formation of free radicals within the body. A combination we think is definitely worth embracing!

Protects brain health

A study published by the Journal of Nutrition showed that Yuzu has the potential to maintain cognitive function and a healthy working brain. Researchers say it’s the buildup of beta amyloid proteins in the brain that are responsible for cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. Yuzu helps to fight the build up of these bad proteins, and its antioxidant goodness protects against free radical damage to the brain. Another all round Yuzu win!

Blood circulation and cardiovascular health

Once ingested, Yuzu has a warming effect which is a result of increased circulation within the body. This in itself is great for you. Improved circulation allows you to detoxify and nourish your muscles and organs with life force energy, oxygen. Research have also shown that hesperidin and naringenin, two flavonoids found in yuzu have the ability to prevent blood clots, which is a big yes when it comes to maintaining good cardiovascular health.

So there you have it. Yuzu not only tastes great - those perfectly unique juices hold some seriously good benefits. That’s why we can’t stop raving about it. Try our Yuzu Lemonade today to see what all the fuss is about.